Murphy USA (MUSA) 10-K2022 FY Annual report

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

MURPHY USA INC.

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange act.

 

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

Strategic proximity to and complementary relationship with Walmart

Of our network of 1,712 retail stores (as of December 31, 2022), the majority are situated on prime locations located near Walmart stores. We believe our proximity to Walmart stores generates significant traffic to our existing retail stores while our competitively priced gasoline and convenience offerings appeal to our shared customers. We continue to collaborate with Walmart on fuel discount programs, mainly Walmart+, which we believe enhances the customer value proposition as well as the competitive position of both Murphy USA and Walmart.

Low cost retail operating model

Distinctive fuel supply chain capabilities 

Grow organically

We intend for our independent growth plan to be a key driver of our organic growth over the next several years, which is demonstrated by the 404 standalone Murphy Express locations (as of December 31, 2022), the majority of which were developed after our 2013 spin-off from Murphy Oil Corporation. We expect to build up to 45 NTI locations and up to 30 raze-and-rebuilds in 2023 and are targeting up to 55 NTI and up to 25 raze-and-rebuilds per year in future periods, focusing on high-return locations either in high traffic areas, near Walmart Supercenters as a complement to higher performing existing stores in smaller markets, or by strategic infill in our core market areas complemented by our supply chain capabilities. While we were previously focused on smaller store size, we now expect to build more Murphy branded NTI stores that are 2,800 square feet or larger, as well as our NTI QuickChek branded locations in their existing footprint, which average between 5,000 to 7,000 square feet in size. Our real estate development team works to maintain a multi-year pipeline of projects that supports continued ratable expansion in these high-return locations.

Sustain cost leadership position 

We believe that sustaining our low cost position is a strategic advantage as a retailer of commodity products. We are undertaking several initiatives for the purpose of increasing efficiency which should allow us to continue to beat inflation on per-store operating costs to help sustain low store-level costs. We also believe that through our planned growth and efficiency initiatives, we can control overhead costs to support an overall improvement in store returns and keep costs properly scaled as we grow organically. In order to do this successfully, we will focus on the continued development of our employees and foster an operating culture aligned with business performance, including cost leadership.

Create advantage from market volatility 

We plan to continue to focus our product supply and wholesale efforts on activities that enhance our ability to be a low-price retail fuel leader and our ability to take advantage of fuel price volatility. We will continue to invest in capabilities and asset positions that support our supply chain strategy. Our distinctive business model and supply chain advantage allows us to deliver consistent margins over time and withstand periods of volatility and uncertainty.

We maintain a portfolio of predominantly fee-simple assets and utilize what we believe to be an appropriate debt structure that will allow us to be resilient during times of volatility in fuel demand, price, and margin. We believe our strong financial position should allow us to profitably execute our low-cost, high volume retail strategy through periods of both high and low fuel margins while preserving the ability to re-invest in and grow our existing stores, brand image and supporting capabilities such as enhancing our food and beverage offerings. Furthermore, in addition to our store-development capital and investments in new capabilities, we

We operate within the large, growing, competitive and highly fragmented U.S. retail fuel and convenience store industry. Several key industry trends and characteristics, include:

Murphy USA was incorporated in Delaware on March 1, 2013 and our business consists of U.S. retail marketing operations.  Our Murphy USA headquarters is located at 200 Peach Street, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730 and our general telephone number is (870) 875-7600.  Our Internet website is www.murphyusa.com.  Our website and the information contained on that site, or connected to that site, are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Shares of Murphy USA common stock are traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “MUSA”.

The U.S. petroleum business is highly competitive, particularly with regard to accessing and marketing petroleum and other refined products. We compete with other chains of retail fuel stores for fuel supply and in the retail sale of refined products to end consumers, primarily on the basis of price, but also on convenience and consumer appeal. In addition, we may also face competition from other retail fueling stores that adopt marketing strategies similar to ours by associating with non-traditional retailers, such as quick service restaurants, supermarkets, discount club stores and hypermarkets, particularly in the geographic areas in which we operate. We expect that our industry will continue to trend toward this model, resulting in increased competition to us over time. Moreover, because we do not produce or refine any of the petroleum or other refined products that we market, we compete with retail gasoline companies that have ongoing supply relationships with affiliates or former affiliates that manufacture refined products. We also compete with integrated companies that have their own production and/or refining operations that are at times able to offset losses from marketing operations with profits from producing or refining operations, and may be better positioned to withstand periods of depressed retail margins or supply shortages. In addition, we compete with other retail and wholesale gasoline marketing companies that have more extensive retail outlets and greater brand name recognition. Some of our competitors have been in existence longer than we have and have greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. As a result, these competitors may have a greater ability to bear the economic risks inherent in all phases of our business and may be able to respond better to changes in the economy and new opportunities within the industry.

Market conditions in the oil and gas industry are cyclical and subject to global economic and political events, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, that upset global supply and demand and impact the price of crude oil and to new and changing governmental regulations. Our operating results are affected by price changes in crude oil, natural gas and refined products, pandemics that may lead to travel restrictions or changed customer behavior, and changes in competitive conditions in the markets we serve.

All of our Company stores use a standard hardware and software platform for point-of-sale (“POS”) that facilitates item level scanning of merchandise for sales and inventory, and the secure acceptance of all major payment methods – cash, check, credit, debit, fleet and mobile. In addition, our QuickChek stores have self-service checkouts and support third-party delivery services. Our standard approach to large scale and geographically dispersed deployments reduces total technology cost of ownership for the POS and inherently makes the system easier to use, support, and replace. This POS technology strategy reflects close alignment with our growth plan.

We are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and permit requirements. Such environmental requirements have historically been subject to frequent change and have tended to become more stringent over time. While we strive to comply with these environmental requirements, any violation of such requirements can result in litigation, increased costs or the imposition of significant civil and criminal penalties, injunctions or other sanctions. Compliance with these environmental requirements affects our overall cost of business, including capital costs to construct, maintain and upgrade equipment and facilities, and ongoing operating expenditures. We maintain sophisticated leak detection and remote monitoring systems for underground storage tanks at most of our retail fueling stores and install up-to-date tank, piping, and monitoring systems at our new stores. We operate above ground bulk petroleum tanks at our terminal locations and have upgraded certain product lines and conduct annual monitoring to help mitigate the risk of potential soil and groundwater contamination. We allocate a portion of our capital expenditure program to comply with environmental laws and regulations, and such capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $6.7 million in 2023.  

In certain areas where our retail stores are located, state or local laws limit the hours of operation for the sale of alcoholic beverages and restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to persons younger than a certain age. State and local regulatory agencies have the authority to approve, revoke, suspend or deny applications for and renewals of permits and licenses relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages, as well as to issue fines to convenience stores for the improper sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Failure to comply with these laws may result in the loss of necessary licenses and the imposition of fines and penalties on us. Such a loss or imposition could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity and results of operations. In many states, retailers of alcoholic beverages have been held responsible for damages caused by intoxicated individuals who purchased alcoholic beverages from them. While the potential exposure for damage claims as a seller of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products is substantial, we have adopted procedures intended to minimize such exposure. We also adhere to the rules governing lottery sales as determined by state lottery commissions in each state in which we make such sales.

We are subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) and comparable state statutes that regulate the protection of the health and safety of workers. In addition, the OSHA hazard communication standard requires that certain information be maintained about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local government authorities and citizens.

Our retail stores are also subject to regulation by federal agencies and to licensing and regulations by state and local health, sanitation, fire and other departments relating to the development and operation of retail stores, including regulations relating to zoning and building requirements and the preparation and sale of food. Difficulties in obtaining or failures to obtain the required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the development of a new retail store in a particular area.

At Murphy USA, we know that the strength of our workforce is critical to our long-term success and we strive to build upon this through the foundation laid by our Principles. As of December 31, 2022, Murphy USA had over 15,100 employees, including 6,000 full-time employees, and 9,100 part-time employees working at our stores, support centers, and corporate headquarters.

Murphy USA is committed to the attraction, development, retention, and safety of our employees. Our initiatives for fiscal year 2022 addressed, among other things, (i) Our Principles, (ii) Inclusion and Diversity, (iii) Talent Management, (iv) Total Rewards, and (v) Workforce Safety.

Our Principles are the heart of our rich culture, creating the foundation of how we operate at Murphy USA. They are the values that shape the strong character of our company. The basis for our human capital management focus is driven by our core Principles of Integrity, Respect, Citizenship, and Spirit.

We have demonstrated a history of investing in our employees by offering competitive salaries and wages. We offer comprehensive benefit packages designed to support employees' overall well-being. We have benefit packages available at all levels of the organization. The benefits package offered to our full-time employees includes:

A thoughtful and well-planned approach has been taken to evaluate and execute benefits consolidation between Murphy USA and QuickChek, where appropriate. At present, several QuickChek benefit programs and vendors have been consolidated with Murphy USA's, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, and retirement. We continue to evaluate QuickChek's benefit plans, and such evaluation could lead to additional consolidation with the Murphy USA plans in the future.

The scope and nature of our operations present a variety of operational hazards and risks, including explosions, fires, toxic emissions, and natural catastrophes that must be managed through continual oversight and control.  These and other risks are present throughout our operations.  As protection against these hazards and risks, we maintain insurance against many, but not all, potential losses or liabilities arising from such risks. Uninsured losses and liabilities arising from operating risks could reduce the funds available to us for capital and investment spending and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

Interest rates on borrowings under our credit agreement may be based on LIBOR. Following announcements by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the FCA-regulated LIBOR administrator, publication of the one-week and two-month United States Dollar (“USD”)-LIBOR tenors ceased after December 31, 2021. While publication of all other USD-LIBOR tenors is expected to cease after June 30, 2023, U.S. regulators and the FCA have published guidance instructing banks to cease entering into new contracts referencing USD-LIBOR no later than December 31, 2021, with limited exceptions.

Our ability to meet our payment and other obligations under our debt instruments, including the notes, depends on our ability to generate significant cash flow in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors as well as other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot provide assurance that our business will generate cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our credit agreement or any future credit facilities or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to enable us to meet our payment obligations under the notes and our other debt and to fund other liquidity needs. If we are not able to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt obligations, we may need to refinance or restructure our debt, including the notes, sell assets, reduce or delay capital investments, or seek to raise additional capital. If we are unable to implement one or more of these alternatives, we may not be able to meet our payment obligations under the notes and our other debt.

We and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, in the future, subject to the terms of the indentures governing the notes and our credit agreement that limit our ability to do so. Such additional indebtedness may include additional notes, which will also be guaranteed by the guarantors, to the extent permitted by the indentures and our credit agreement. Although the indentures limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to create liens securing indebtedness, there are significant exceptions to these limitations that will allow us and our subsidiaries to secure significant amounts of indebtedness without equally and ratably securing the notes. If we or our subsidiaries incur secured indebtedness and such secured indebtedness is either accelerated or becomes subject to a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, our and our subsidiaries' assets would be used to satisfy obligations with respect to the indebtedness secured thereby before any payment could be made on the notes that are not similarly secured. In addition, the indentures governing the Senior Notes will not prevent us or our subsidiaries from incurring other liabilities that do not constitute indebtedness. If new debt or other liabilities are added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

Our net income is significantly affected by changes in the margins on retail and wholesale gasoline marketing operations. Oil and domestic wholesale gasoline markets are volatile. General political conditions, acts of war or terrorism, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, instability in oil producing regions, particularly in the Middle East and South America, and the value of U.S. dollars relative to other foreign currencies, particularly those of oil producing nations, have significantly affected and in the future could significantly affect oil supplies and wholesale gasoline costs. In addition, the supply of gasoline and our wholesale purchase costs can be adversely affected in the event of a shortage, which could result from, among other things, lack of capacity at oil refineries, sustained increase in global demand or the fact that our gasoline contracts do not guarantee an uninterrupted, unlimited supply of gasoline. Our wholesale purchase costs could also be adversely affected by increasingly stringent regulations regarding the content and characteristics of fuel products. Significant increases and volatility in wholesale gasoline costs could result in lower gasoline gross margins per gallon. This volatility makes it extremely difficult to predict the effect that future wholesale cost fluctuations will have on our operating results and financial condition in future periods.

Murphy USA's business is impacted by its ability to generate revenues from capturing and subsequently selling Renewable Identification Numbers ("RINs"), a practice enabled through the blending of petroleum-based fuels with renewable fuels.  RIN prices also have an impact on our cost of goods sold for petroleum products, which can be positive or negative depending on the movement of RIN prices. The market price for RINs fluctuates based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to governmental and regulatory action and market dynamics.  In 2022, RIN prices continued to fluctuate but were higher on average due to uncertainty of future regulations. Although a decline in RIN prices could have a material impact on the Company's revenues, Murphy USA's business model is not dependent on its ability to generate revenues from the sale of RINs.

We utilize key product supply and wholesale assets, including our pipeline positions and product distribution terminals, to supply our retail fueling stores. Much of our competitive advantage arises out of these proprietary arrangements which, when disrupted, have in the past and could in the future adversely affect us, and such effects could be material. The lasting effects of the coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic continues to cause disruptions in supply chains into 2023. In addition to our own operational risks discussed above, we could experience interruptions of supply or increases in costs to deliver refined products to market if the ability of the pipelines or vessels to transport petroleum or refined products is disrupted because of weather events, accidents, governmental regulations or third-party actions. Furthermore, at some of our locations there are very few suppliers for fuel in that market.

A significant portion of our retail sales involve payment using credit cards. We are assessed credit card fees as a percentage of transaction amounts and not as a fixed dollar amount or percentage of our gross margins. Higher gasoline prices result in higher credit card expenses, and an increase in credit card use or an increase in credit card fees would have a similar effect. Therefore, credit card fees charged on gasoline purchases that are more expensive as a result of higher gasoline prices are not necessarily accompanied by higher gross margins. In fact, such fees may cause lower profitability. Lower income on gasoline sales caused by higher credit card fees may decrease our overall profitability and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

As we continue to focus on enhancing our food and beverage offerings, concerns regarding the quality or safety of our food products or our food supply chain, even if factually incorrect or based on isolated incidents, could hurt our sales of prepared food products and possibly lead to product liability and personal injury claims, litigation, government agency investigations and damages.

Our owned properties that were purchased from Walmart are subject to Easements with Covenants and Restrictions Affecting Land (the “ECRs”) between us and Walmart. The ECRs impose customary restrictions on the use of our properties, which Walmart has the right to enforce. The ECRs also provide that if we propose to

In 2022, over 74% of our merchandise, including most tobacco products and grocery items, was purchased from a single wholesale grocer, Core-Mark. In January 2021, we renewed and extended for another five years a supply contract with Core-Mark. If Core-Mark is unable to fulfill its obligations under our contract, alternative suppliers that we could use in the event of a disruption may not be immediately available or offer merchandise on similar commercial terms. A disruption in supply could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We usually must spend and risk a significant amount of capital to fund our activities. Although most capital needs are funded from operating cash flow, the timing of cash flows from operations and capital funding needs may not always coincide, and the levels of cash flow may not fully cover capital funding requirements.

We are dependent on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. If, for any reason, we are not able to attract and retain qualified personnel, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

The long-term success of the QuickChek acquisition will depend, on our ability to realize the forecasted benefits and cost savings from our acquisition of QuickChek. We may not be able to maintain the growth rate, levels of revenue, earnings, or operating efficiency that we and QuickChek have achieved to-date, or might have achieved separately.

We have balances of goodwill and intangible assets as a result of the QuickChek acquisition. We are required to test goodwill and any other intangible assets with an indefinite life for possible impairment on the same date each year and on an interim basis if there are indicators of a possible impairment. We are also required to evaluate amortizable intangible assets and fixed assets for impairment if there are indicators of a possible impairment.

Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, have in the past and may in the future cause depressed demand for our fuel and convenience merchandise products because quarantines may inhibit the ability or need for our customers to shop with us. We also may experience disruptions of logistics necessary to obtain and deliver products to our stores and our customers as we rely on third parties to perform these vital functions to our business.

In the retail gasoline industry, customer traffic is generally driven by consumer preferences and spending trends, growth rates for commercial truck traffic and trends in travel and weather. Changes in economic conditions generally, or in the regions in which we operate, could adversely affect consumer spending patterns and travel in our markets. In particular, weakening economic conditions may result in decreases in miles driven and discretionary consumer spending and travel, which affect spending on gasoline and convenience items. In addition, changes in the types of products and services demanded by consumers may adversely affect our merchandise sales and gross margin. Additionally, negative publicity or perception surrounding gasoline suppliers could adversely affect their reputation and brand image, which may negatively affect our gasoline sales and gross margin. Our success depends on our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to changing consumer demands and preferences while continuing to sell products and services that remain relevant to the consumer and thus will positively impact overall retail gross margin.

Many governments, including those that are members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”), unilaterally intervene at times in the orderly market of petroleum and natural gas produced in their countries through such actions as setting prices, determining rates of production, and controlling who may buy and sell the production. In addition, prices and availability of petroleum, natural gas and refined products could be influenced by political unrest and by various governmental policies to restrict or increase petroleum usage and supply. Other governmental actions that could affect our operations and earnings include tax changes, royalty increases and regulations concerning: currency fluctuations, protection and remediation of the environment, concerns over the possibility of global warming being affected by human activity including the production and use of hydrocarbon energy, restraints and controls on imports and exports, safety, and relationships between employers and employees. As a retail gasoline marketing company, we are significantly

We operate in many different locations around the United States. The occurrence of an event, including but not limited to acts of nature such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and other forms of severe weather, and mechanical equipment failures, industrial accidents, fires, explosions, acts of war and intentional terrorist attacks could result in damage to our facilities, and the resulting interruption and loss of associated revenues; environmental pollution or contamination; and personal injury, including death, for which we could be deemed to be liable, and which could subject us to substantial fines and/or claims for punitive damages.

We are subject to various environmental laws, regulations and permit requirements, which could expose us to significant expenditures, liabilities or obligations and reduce product demand.

We are subject to stringent federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of petroleum products and hazardous materials; the emission and discharge of such substances into the environment; the content and characteristics of fuel products; the process safety of our facilities; and human health and safety. Pursuant to such environmental laws and regulations, we are also required to obtain permits from governmental authorities for certain of our operations. While we strive to abide by these requirements, we cannot assure you that we have been or will be at all times in compliance with such laws, regulations and permits. If we violate or fail to comply with these requirements, we could be subject to litigation, costs, fines or other sanctions. Environmental requirements, and the enforcement and interpretation thereof, change frequently and have generally become more stringent over time. Compliance with existing and future environmental laws, regulations and permits may require significant expenditures. In addition, to the extent fuel content and characteristic standards increase our wholesale purchase costs, we may be adversely affected if we are unable to recover such costs in our pricing.

Our retail operations are subject to extensive local, state and federal governmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the sale of alcohol, tobacco, lottery and lotto, employment conditions, including minimum wage requirements, and public accessibility requirements. The cost of compliance with these laws and regulations can have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, failure to comply with local, state and federal laws and regulations to which our operations are subject may result in penalties and costs that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We depend on our technology systems and network infrastructure to manage numerous aspects of our business and provide analytical information to management. These systems are an essential component of our business and growth strategies, and a serious disruption to them could significantly limit our ability to manage and operate our business efficiently. These systems are vulnerable to, among other things, damage and interruption from power loss or natural disasters, computer system and network failures, loss of telecommunications services, physical and electronic loss of data, security breaches and computer viruses, which could result in a loss of sensitive personal data, including credit and debit card information from our customers, sensitive business information, systems interruption or the disruption of our business operations. To protect against unauthorized access or attacks, we have implemented infrastructure protection technologies such as theft and disaster recovery plans, but there can be no assurance that a technology systems breach or systems failure, which may occur and go undetected, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

In the normal course of our business as a gasoline and merchandise retailer, we obtain large amounts of personal data, including credit and debit card information from our customers. We also engage third-party vendors that provide technology, systems, and services to facilitate our collection, retention, processing and transmission of this information. While we have invested significant amounts in the protection of our technology systems and maintain what we believe are adequate security controls over individually identifiable customer, employee and vendor data provided to us, a breakdown or a breach in our systems that results in the unauthorized release of individually identifiable customer or other sensitive data could nonetheless occur and have a material adverse effect on our reputation, operating results and financial condition. Such a breakdown or breach could also materially increase the costs we incur to protect against such risks. Also, a material failure on our part, or the part of our vendors, to comply with regulations relating to our obligation to protect such sensitive data or the privacy rights of our customers, employees and others could subject us to fines or other regulatory sanctions and potentially to lawsuits and adversely affect our brand name.

We are subject to extensive tax liabilities imposed by multiple jurisdictions, including income taxes, indirect taxes (excise/duty, sales/use and gross receipts taxes), payroll taxes, franchise taxes, withholding taxes and ad valorem taxes. Tax laws and regulations are dynamic and subject to change as new laws are passed and new interpretations of existing laws are issued and applied. This activity could result in increased expenditures for tax liabilities in the future. Many of these liabilities are subject to periodic audits by the respective taxing authority. Subsequent changes to our tax liabilities as a result of these audits may subject us to interest and penalties.

The price at which our common stock trades may fluctuate significantly.  The trading price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a number of factors, including, but not limited to:

The existence of some provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of us that a stockholder may consider favorable. These include provisions:

Our Bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of Delaware General Corporation Law, our Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations for any class or series of our preferred stock) or our Bylaws, in each case, as amended from time to time, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. Unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any action asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act will be the federal district courts of the United States of America, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock is deemed to have received notice of and consented to the foregoing provision. This forum selection provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable or cost-effective for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees. Conversely, if a court were to find our choice of forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions and we may not obtain the benefits of limiting jurisdiction to the courts selected.

 

 

 

 

 

Litigation

The City of Charleston, South Carolina and the state of Delaware have filed lawsuits against energy companies, including the Company. These lawsuits allege damages as a result of climate change and the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and abatement under various tort theories.

 

Not applicable 

 

 

Below is detail of the company's common share repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2022.

 

 

Executive Overview

Our Business

 

 

Trends Affecting Our Business

 

 

 

 

Seasonality

Business Segments

 

Marketing

 

 The tables below show the results for the Marketing segment for the three years ended December 31, 2022 along with certain key metrics for the segment.

Significant Sources of Capital

The following table summarizes our aggregate contractual fixed and variable obligations as of December 31, 2022.

Critical Accounting Policies

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred over the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed and is tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indicators

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Individual retail stores are reviewed for impairment periodically or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Our primary indicator that operating store assets may not be recoverable is consistent negative cash flow over a twenty-four month period for those retail stores that have been open in the same location for a sufficient period to allow for meaningful analysis of ongoing results. We also monitor other factors when evaluating retail stores for impairment, including individual store execution of operating plans and local market conditions.

We are subject to extensive tax liabilities imposed by multiple jurisdictions, including income taxes, indirect taxes (excise/duty, sales/use, and gross receipts taxes), payroll taxes, franchise taxes, withholding taxes and ad valorem taxes. New tax laws and regulations and changes in existing tax laws and regulations are continuously being enacted or proposed that could result in increased expenditures for tax liabilities that cannot be predicted at this time. In addition, we have received claims from various jurisdictions related to certain tax matters. Tax liabilities include potential assessments of penalty and interest amounts.

We operate above ground and underground storage tanks at our facilities. We recognize the estimated future cost to remove these underground storage tanks (“USTs”) over their estimated useful lives. We record a discounted liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset at the time a UST is installed. We depreciate the amount added to cost of the property and recognize accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the remaining life of the UST.

We account for business combinations using the purchase method of accounting. The purchase price of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the fair value of the consideration transferred. The purchase price is allocated to the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at date of acquisition, with any excess recorded as goodwill. These fair value determinations require management to make estimates which are based on all available information, and may involve the use of assumptions with respect to the timing and amount of future revenues and expenses, the weighted average cost of capital, and royalty rates associated with the transaction and the assets or liabilities acquired. This judgment and determination affects the amount of consideration paid that is allocable to assets and liabilities acquired in the business purchase transaction. The purchase price allocation may be provisional during a measurement period of up to one year to provide reasonable time to obtain the information necessary to identify and measure the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any such measurement period adjustments are recognized in the period in which the adjustment amount is determined. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition are expensed as incurred.

We are exposed to market risks related to the volatility in the price of crude oil and refined products (primarily gasoline and diesel) used in our operations. These fluctuations can affect our revenues and purchases, as well as the cost of operating, investing, and financing activities.  We make limited use of derivative instruments to manage certain risks related to commodity prices. The use of derivative instruments for risk management is covered by operating policies and is closely monitored by our middle-office function and the Company’s senior management.

 

None

None

 

 

 

All other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are either not applicable or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

* Filed herewith

† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.